They grow them good in the West! It seems when it comes to actors Perth is a breeding ground for the best. Trent Foo, rising young actor and star of the AACTA contender dystopian/romance short film Paper Cranes joins this special group. Known for his roles in The Blind Eye Trilogy, Trent is a producer and although born in Perth now resides in Sydney. We were lucky enough to sit down for a chat with the rising young star.
You’re in the nominated film Paper Cranes, how did this project come to you?
In a way, Paper Cranes is my first film. Before that, I had worked on other projects in smaller roles – mostly student films – but Paper Cranes felt like my first experience on screen that I could really sink my teeth into. I got to work quite closely with Amanda Crewes, the writer/director, while it was being written and helped build the character from the ground up, which is such a privileged position to be in as an actor.
Tell us about your role in the film.
I play James Winton, the lead in the film. James is a young accountant living in a dystopian world that has traded emotions for productivity – socialisation, especially love and romance, is now illegal and fiercely governed by the military. James makes a massive discovery which sets him on a journey of wanting to be known by another. Maybe he goes a little bit rogue, maybe he folds some origami, maybe he meets someone special, maybe some pretty intense action takes place… you’ll have to see the film for yourself.
Paper Cranes was an AACTA Award Contender, where were you when you found out?
I was stoked. Beyond stoked. I think I was at the gym when I got the message from the production company. I’m pretty sure I did a little happy dance which would’ve looked very strange in a room full of people working out. I was – and still am – so, so, happy that the film gets to be a contender for the 2025 AACTA awards. It’s such a prestigious festival and many of my role models in the industry have been honoured with AACTA awards. There are other incredible contenders this year, and I’m just honoured to be a part of it. Paper Cranes has already won four awards in the California Best Shorts Festival and I’m glad it’s now being recognised in the Australian festival circuit too.
You’re originally from Perth and now based in Sydney, how have you found the move?
I knew as soon as I decided to be an actor that my work would take me over east. I first arrived at the end of 2022 to perform The Blind Eye Trilogy at New Theatre, subsequently signing with my amazing agent/manager, Gina Stoj. It was a bit tough at first: I was on my friend’s couch for about 3 months before I flew back to WA, jumped in my car, and drove all the way back across the country to Sydney so I could have a place to sleep in case I didn’t find somewhere to live. Thankfully, I found a place to live. I love Western Australia, though, and it’s exciting to see some really cool things on the horizon, including a new film studio in Malaga being built. I often travel back to WA for work, I’ve filmed 3 projects there just this year and will gladly take any excuse to return.
How did you get into acting and how has the journey been so far?
My journey into becoming an Actor started with a love for film and telling stories. It always comes back to that for me. I’d stay up late watching Jackie Chan films, or spend the day cinema-hopping with my dad. Ever since I could, I’ve read novels and written my own stories to share with my friends. I’ve made silly skits and volunteered for productions just for the fun and experience of it. I’ve never wanted to be just an actor – I’m interested in all aspects of filmmaking, especially writing and producing. So far, though, most of my professional experience has been as an actor. I’ve been very fortunate to have booked a fair few roles across film, theatre and commercial, which have allowed me to live and work doing the things I love. I even recently started my own production company which I use to drive projects I’m personally passionate about and provide support and opportunities to artists I enjoy working with. It’s been a tough journey but I wouldn’t have it any other way. And I’m just getting started – I see my career path as a marathon, not a sprint.
You’re a junior board member of the Production Company The Actor’s Hub Studio, tell us a bit about this role and how you got involved in this organisation.
After I graduated from acting school and filmed Paper Cranes, I was invited onto the board of The Actors’ Hub Studios Inc. as an associate board member. It was an opportunity for me to upskill in areas outside of acting that I was passionate about; I was then cast as an understudy/swing in The Blind Eye Trilogy, and worked closely with the studios to help get a range of shows on the road. I was then invited onto the board as a junior member and have continued working on many projects as an actor, writer and producer. I love being able to contribute to productions I care about, regardless of whether I’m cast in them or not.
Can you tell us about your other theatre work?
I started in theatre, specifically musical theatre. My first big production was The Addams Family: The Musical which I got to perform on The Heath Ledger Theatre at WA’s State Theatre Centre. It was an incredible experience that taught me so many valuable lessons, but most of all, inspired me to consider acting as a potential career pathway. Throughout my training, I performed on stage, working with incredible directors and coaches such as Ross McGregor, Angela Punch-McGregor, Ellis Pearson, Amanda Crewes, Linda Nicholls-Gidley – just to name a few! I worked on some amazing plays, both original and established, including but not limited to: Julius Caesar, Flora, A Tribute, The Return, Concerto De Mirage, The Seagull, and The Story of You. After acting school, I was invited to be a cast member of The Blind Eye Trilogy – a series of plays: One Punch Wonder, The Innocent Pawn, and Is There Anybody Out There? together forming a snapshot of our current culture with the intent of bringing audiences together to start a much-needed conversation about the levels of violence on our streets, in our homes and on our screens. I’ve toured the shows in WA, nationally and to high schools, where we delivered workshops. It’s some of my proudest work to date.
You’re a staunch DV advocate, can you tell us a little about your work in this area and what brought you be a staunch supporter of ending DV?
I’ve mainly worked in the area of DV through my work with The Blind Eye Trilogy which I mentioned before, specifically the show Is There Anybody Out There? which explores the idea of romantic love and aims to start the conversation about the uprising of domestic violence in our culture. In 2023, I got to collaborate with White Ribbon Australia and tour the show in WA and then go to schools and deliver workshops that explored those themes and topics. It’s something I’m passionate about, not just because of its detrimental effects on Australian society, but because I grew up in a violent household, and have lived the experiences I perform onstage. Australia has an urgent need for primary prevention strategies – and one of the reasons I became an actor in the first place is to use my platform to inspire others, to have a tangible, positive impact on the world. I want to champion inclusivity, diversity, empathy, and kindness through my work and by being a strong role model, and to support those in need and give back to my community wherever I can.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects our readers should know about?
There are some things in the works that I can’t talk about to due confidentiality being involved. One thing I can discuss and am very excited to share, however, is my one-man play A Chinese Christmas – written by me and dedicated to my grandma – which will have its official debut in 2025. A Chinese Christmas is a real passion project of mine, and I’m really looking forward to announcing more details at the end of 2024. I’m also writing some new film projects, which I hope to see move into production next year.
Where can we see you right now?
Paper Cranes is streaming on AACTA TV, which is available to all members. Paper Cranes, along with another film I worked on called In Sect, is being screened at The Backlot Cinema in Western Australia. Another film I worked on, Set Menu, is part of the SXSW Sydney Film Festival. I’m also currently in rehearsals with Learning Consent, delivering more workshops at UNSW, which I’m super proud to be part of.
Follow Trent Foo on social media.
